Category Archives: JATAKA TALES
56. The Bodhisatta – As A Marsh Crow
Once upon a time, while Brahmadatta reigned as king in Benares, the Bodhisatta became a marsh crow, and lived by a pool. His name was Viraka, the Strong.
There arose a famine in Kasi. Men could not spare food for the crows, nor make offering to goblins and snakes. One by one the crows left the famine stricken land, and went into the woods.
55. The Bodhisatta – As A Man Born On Low Caste
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born as the son of a man of the lowest caste. When he grew up, he took the road for some purpose, taking some rice grains in a basket.
At that time there was a young fellow in Benares, named Satadhamma. He was the son of a Brahmin. He also took the road for some purpose, but he did not carry anything for his food. The two met upon the highway.
54. The Bodhisatta – As A Lizard
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born as a young lizard, and when he grew up, he lived in a forest. And a wicked ascetic built a hut of leaves, and took up his abode near him. The Bodhisatta, in ranging about for food, saw this hut of leaves and thought to himself, “This hut must certainly belong to some holy ascetic,” and he went there and after saluting the holy man returned to his own place of abode.
53. The Bodhisatta – As A Lion
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was a lion and lived at Gold Den in Himalayas. Slaying a large buffalo, he ate the prime of the carcass, after which he went down to a pool, and drunk crystal water and afterwards was going to his den.
Now a hungry jackal, suddenly meeting the lion, and being unable to make his escape, threw himself at the lion’s feet. Being asked what he wanted, the jackal replied, “Lord, let me be your servant.” “Very well,” said the lion; “serve me and you shall feed on prime meat.” So saying, he went with the jackal following to Gold Den. Then onwards the lion’s leavings fell to the jackal, and he grew fat.
